The local government of Manila has moved to protect its people from “stigmatization” brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by passing an ordinance that will penalize anyone discriminating people suspected of or afflicted with the disease as well as health workers and other frontliners.
Under Ordinance No. 8624 or the “Anti-COVID-19 Discrimination Ordinance of 2020,” authorities can demand you for fine or send you in jail, or both, if proven to have committed any act that causes “stigma, disgrace, shame, humiliation and harassment” against these people.
This came as the city council expressed belief that “families who are affected by this pandemic suffer severe anxiety and social humiliation,” and that “there is an urgent need to combat this pervasive stigmatization on the basis of one’s medical condition.”
“There is a need for the city to bring normalcy and order amidst the crisis and protect its constituency from unjust discrimination brought on by fear and panic by public,” part of the four-page ordinance, which was passed Thursday, read.
The measure will also penalize any public officer who will refuse or fail to give assistance to COVID-19 patients, health workers and other front liners, who intend “to return to [their] place of residence or domicile after obtaining clearance of the COVID-19 infection from the proper health officials.” (Joseph Almer Pedrajas)